Chapter Summaries

Roy took Korrina’s Lucario to the Gym for a checkup and won him over with a delicious Pokéblock. The chapter ended with Lucario eagerly following Roy after his attitude toward him changed completely.

• Korrina left Lucario with Roy and headed to the Pokémon Center with Gurkinn, after Roy pointed out she was going in the wrong direction.
• Maylene’s Lucario clung to Roy for Pokéblocks, while Korrina’s Lucario looked down on his eagerness.
• Roy offered Korrina’s Lucario a Pokéblock, and its irresistible aroma persuaded him to accept it.
• Korrina’s Lucario savored the Pokéblock and understood why Maylene’s Lucario loved Roy’s treats.
• After finishing the last bite, Korrina’s Lucario eagerly went with Roy for his checkup.

Roy befriended Korrina’s Lucario with his Pokéblocks before joining Annihilape in the Martial Arts Tournament at Cianwood City. The preliminaries began, and Korrina’s Lucario defeated Maylene’s Lucario in a staff match.

• Korrina returned from the Pokémon Center and found her Lucario eagerly eating Roy’s Pokéblocks, then thanked Roy and invited him to visit her in Shalour City.
• Chuck teased Roy about bending the tournament rules, but Roy told him that he could not beat him and walked into the Gym.
• The next day, Roy and Annihilape joined the Martial Arts Tournament, where Mustard, Chuck, and President Damaranch judged the Trainers’ matches.
• Roy defeated his first opponent with a knee strike, while Annihilape beat the Cianwood City Gym wrestler’s Hariyama with a throw and chokehold.
• Korrina’s Lucario and Maylene’s Lucario fought with energy staffs, and Korrina’s Lucario won by striking Maylene’s Lucario out of the ring.

Roy continued winning his Martial Arts Tournament matches after Korrina was eliminated, while Iono watched his victories from Paldea. Her livestream then cut out as a crystallized pillar of light erupted from the Great Crater, briefly plunging Levincia and Zapapico into darkness before everything returned to normal.

• Annihilape defeated Korrina's Lucario by catching his baton and flinging him out of the Arena, then claimed his twentieth consecutive victory.
• Bado overpowered Korrina in the Fighting-type Trainers' ring and set her down outside it, ending her tournament run.
• Korrina and Lucario watched Roy defeat his opponents in seconds, including Nobuhiko, who lasted the longest against him.
• Iono cheered for Roy during her livestream and tried to imitate his move by putting Bellibolt in a rear naked choke.
• Iono's Communicator lost its signal, and a boom announced a multicolored crystallized pillar of energy rising from the Great Crater of Paldea.
• The pillar vanished after Levincia and Zapapico lost power, and the cities' electrical systems soon recovered.

After Paldea’s network returned, Iono read a report about an energy eruption in Area Zero but could not resume watching her Master’s livestream. At the Cianwood Gym finals, Roy seized a ring and provoked the other contestants into challenging him.

• Iono read a news report saying an energy eruption had occurred in Area Zero and Professor Turo was investigating.
• Iono learned the Paldea network was still disrupted and went home with Bellibolt and Mismagius instead of watching the livestream.
• President Damaranch announced that the martial artists’ finals would use a points system with ring champions earning triple points and risking their accumulated points.
• Roy understood the new rules and became the first ring champion by entering one of the four rings.
• When no one challenged him, Roy mocked the contestants and claimed the tournament was so easy he could have entered his Ghost-type Pokémon too.

Roy provoked the martial arts contestants into challenging him one after another, building a huge lead in points while exhausting himself. He removed his weighted training shirt to continue fighting, leaving the crowd stunned and Korrina flustered.

• Roy revealed that he specialized in Ghost-type Pokémon and goaded the martial artists into challenging him.
• Roy defeated a series of challengers while the crowd formed a line to fight him, and his score climbed to 106 points.
• Chuck sent some contestants to the other rings, but many remained focused on defeating Roy and claiming his accumulated points.
• As Roy grew tired, he asked the referee for permission to remove his shirt.
• Roy's weighted training shirt cracked the dojo floor when he tossed it aside, stunning the crowd and revealing how heavily he had been training.
• Lucario struggled to fold Roy's shirt in hopes of earning Pokéblocks, while Korrina blushed as she secretly watched Roy fight bare-chested.

Roy dominated the Martial Arts Tournament finals by defending his ring against challenge after challenge, while Annihilape won the Fighting-type Pokémon division. Roy finished as tournament champion with 220 points and stood with Annihilape at the awards ceremony.

• Roy removed his weighted training clothes and knocked a Kanto martial artist out of the ring with a single punch.
• Roy challenged the crowd and defeated successive martial artists, prompting competitors to line up again for a chance at the championship.
• Chuck recognized that Roy had surpassed his own level, while Mustard nearly joined the ring challenges before Damaranch stopped him.
• Annihilape defeated Grapploct in the final by outlasting him, rolling him into a ball, and kicking him out of the ring.
• Roy won the tournament with 220 points, 180 ahead of runner-up Bado, and appeared on the podium beside Annihilape.

Roy and Annihilape received their gold belts after winning the Martial Arts Tournament, and Roy suggested a headline to the reporter that could spark public controversy. In Motostoke, Leon defeated Raihan, while Hop spotted a familiar figure on his Communicator.

• Mustard presented Roy and Annihilape with gold belts, and they fastened the belts around each other's waists.
• A Goldenrod City reporter recognized Roy and interviewed him, and Roy whispered a potentially controversial headline suggestion to her.
• Chuck announced that the Martial Arts Tournament had ended and invited participants to train at the Cianwood City Gym.
• Leon defeated Raihan when Charizard's G-Max Wildfire overwhelmed Duraludon, forcing Raihan to recall his Pokémon.
• Sonia cheered for Leon as Hop stared at his Communicator, where he saw a familiar figure, and Wooloo looked at the screen too.

Leon learned that Mustard had judged the Martial Arts Tournament in Cianwood City and wondered how to persuade him to return to Galar. After the tournament, Roy let Korrina try on his Gold Belt.

• Leon told Raihan he had to serve as a Trial Tower floor master on the 80th floor, then learned from Hop's Communicator that Mustard was judging the tournament in Cianwood City.
• Leon recalled his unsuccessful search for Mustard and admitted to Sonia that he could not force his teacher to return to Galar.
• Raihan dragged Hop away from Leon and Sonia, and Wooloo followed them.
• After winning the tournament, Roy and Annihilape headed backstage, where Korrina and Gurkinn found them.
• Korrina asked to touch Roy's Gold Belt, and Roy let her wear it.

After winning the Martial Arts Tournament, Roy gave Korrina a Pokéblock recipe for Lucario, but she and Gurkinn mistook it for a love letter. Korrina gave Roy a Key Stone before leaving with Gurkinn, who challenged her to complete a hundred-win streak without Mega Evolution.

• Korrina admired the Gold Belt with Lucario, while Gurkinn urged her to leave the Gym.
• Roy gave Korrina a note, and Gurkinn snatched it, assuming it was a love letter.
• Gurkinn read the note and discovered it was Roy's recipe for Pokéblocks tailored to Lucario's tastes.
• Korrina thanked Roy for the recipe and gave him a Key Stone before leaving with Gurkinn.
• Korrina vowed to win the Gold Belt next time, and Gurkinn told her to complete a hundred-win streak without Mega Evolution.

Roy comforted Maylene after her early elimination from the Martial Arts Tournament and encouraged her to keep striving. After fighting Mustard again and showing how much he had improved, Roy left Cianwood City to meet Cynthia and Professor Carolina in Goldenrod City.

• Roy gave Maylene his Gold Belt and told her that her perseverance made her a champion in her own right, restoring her confidence.
• Roy learned that Damaranch had left Cianwood City and that Mustard planned to stay before visiting Bruno in the Kanto Region.
• Mustard invited Roy to fight again, and Roy nearly knocked him down before ultimately losing.
• Roy gave Mustard Pokéblocks, then gathered Misdreavus and Mimikyu and left Cianwood City on Dragapult.
• Roy declined Chuck's invitation to stay and help clean the Gym because he needed to meet Cynthia and Professor Carolina in Goldenrod City.

While waiting at Goldenrod Port, Roy read news about a crystalline Skeledirge in Paldea and realized Terastallization might be appearing in the world. A ship arrived before he could do anything about it, leaving his trip to Paldea a distant prospect.

• Roy read a news report about his Martial Arts Tournament victory reaching nearly a million views and anticipated earning Popularity Points.
• Roy saw a report of a crystallized Skeledirge with a Fairy-type crown in the Paldea Deep Crater and recognized it as a sign of Terastallization.
• Roy recalled how Terastallization changed a Pokémon’s type, moves, and battle strengths, and considered its advantages and limitations.
• Roy heard a ship’s horn and looked out to sea as the vessel arrived at Goldenrod Port.

Roy welcomed Cynthia and Professor Carolina to Goldenrod City and began escorting them to the Ruins of Alph. Cynthia struggled to speak with Roy after their reunion but offered him ice cream she had brought from Celestic Town.

• Roy spotted the Wind Rider arriving at Goldenrod City's harbor and waited for Cynthia and Professor Carolina to disembark.
• Cynthia pinched Roy's mouth shut before he could say anything embarrassing, then introduced him to Professor Carolina, who teased her about thinking of him.
• Spiritomb emerged from Cynthia's Poké Ball, greeted Roy, and happily accepted his Pokéblocks.
• Roy led Professor Carolina toward the Ruins of Alph while Cynthia followed quietly, unable to bring herself to share what she had wanted to tell him.
• Professor Carolina prompted Cynthia to offer Roy the ice cream she had brought, and Roy took a huge bite as Cynthia giggled at his reaction.

Roy took Cynthia and Professor Carolina by air toward the Ruins of Alph, where Professor Carolina studied ancient writing on Golurk. Two League Prosecutors waiting at Goldenrod City's harbor realized Professor Carolina had already left without them.

• Roy summoned Golurk and Dragapult, and Professor Carolina translated mysterious writing on Golurk's back.
• Roy gave Cynthia an ancient crown, which Professor Carolina examined before returning it to her.
• Professor Carolina rode Golurk while Cynthia sat in front of Roy on Dragapult, and they set off for the Ruins of Alph.
• Dragapult's sudden takeoff sent Cynthia falling into Roy's arms before she shifted away.
• Two League Prosecutors arrived at Goldenrod City's harbor to escort Professor Carolina, but she had already departed with Roy.

Roy brought Professor Carolina to the Ruins of Alph, where her expertise helped the professors identify the ruins as connected to an Ancient Sinnoh expedition from 1,558 years earlier. Professor Carolina and Professor Oak sent Cynthia and Roy out for the day, leaving them to stroll away from the research camp together.

• Roy arrived at the Ruins of Alph with Cynthia, Professor Carolina, Dragapult, and his revived Golurk, startling the researchers before revealing Golurk was his Pokémon.
• Roy reunited with Professor Oak and introduced Professor Carolina, who quickly joined the research into the murals.
• Professor Carolina dated the ruins to 1,558 years ago and connected their inhabitants to a group that had departed Ancient Sinnoh for other regions.
• Professor Oak showed Professor Carolina a well-preserved Gigaton Ball, which she recognized as a previously undiscovered kind of Poké Ball.
• Professor Carolina told Cynthia she had the day off, while Professor Oak sent Roy out of the ruins; Roy invited Cynthia for a stroll, and she went with him.

Roy and Cynthia spent time together at Sprout Tower, where Roy introduced her to his ghostly Mimikyu. Cynthia then asked Roy to battle, and he took her aboard Dragapult to find a suitable place.

• Roy carried Cynthia on Golurk to Sprout Tower and told her he had revived Golurk in ruins.
• Cynthia sat with Roy at Sprout Tower, where Mimikyu startled her by blowing on her neck.
• Roy explained Mimikyu’s origins at Moomoo Ranch, and Cynthia grew sympathetic toward her.
• Cynthia asked Roy to battle, and he agreed.
• Roy released Dragapult and flew with Cynthia toward a place where they could battle.

Roy brought Cynthia to Violet City and arranged to borrow Su Tian’s Gym arena so she could battle him. Cynthia chose a Double Battle and revealed her Garchomp and Lucario, while Roy sent out Dusclops and Golurk, leaving both trainers ready to begin.

• Roy rode Dragapult with Cynthia to Violet City and asked Su Tian to let them use the Gym’s battle arena.
• Su Tian agreed to lend them the arena on the condition that he referee, and Roy accepted.
• Roy learned that Falkner had left the Gym to travel around the Kanto Region.
• Cynthia asked Roy not to use Misdreavus and requested a Double Battle, then sent out Garchomp and Lucario.
• Roy sent out Dusclops and Golurk, and Cynthia prepared to face his team.

Cynthia and Roy’s teams battled as Cynthia Mega Evolved Garchomp, while Golurk protected Dusclops long enough for it to set up Trick Room. Roy then Mega Evolved Golurk, giving him a decisive advantage as Lucario struggled to reach Dusclops.

• Cynthia Mega Evolved Garchomp and ordered Lucario to attack Dusclops while Garchomp supported her with Helping Hand.
• Golurk blocked Lucario’s Dark Pulse and stopped Mega Garchomp and Lucario from interrupting Dusclops, which completed Trick Room.
• Mega Garchomp created a Sandstorm and used Brutal Swing to damage Golurk.
• Roy Mega Evolved Golurk, whose increased strength let him catch Garchomp’s scythes and fling her away.
• Lucario got past Mega Golurk and chased Dusclops, but Trick Room made Dusclops fast enough to evade her attacks.

Roy’s Mega Golurk and Dusclops pressured Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp and Lucario in Trick Room, disrupting Garchomp’s attempt to power up and forcing Lucario to attack alone. Mega Golurk broke through Garchomp’s barrier with an Ice Punch and sent him flying, leaving Cynthia to face the battle’s worsening turn.

• Mega Garchomp struck Mega Golurk with Rock Tomb, but Trick Room made Golurk faster and he caught Garchomp’s blades before repelling him.
• Cynthia ordered Lucario to use Double Team while Garchomp used Swords Dance, but Roy had Dusclops taunt Garchomp as Mega Golurk protected it and cleared Lucario’s copies.
• Dusclops’s taunts angered Mega Garchomp, who abandoned his unfinished Swords Dance and charged at Dusclops; Mega Golurk intercepted him with Ice Punch.
• Lucario struck Dusclops with Dark Pulse while dodging its Will-O-Wisp, and Mega Garchomp broke free from Golurk but found his retreat blocked by the flames.
• Mega Garchomp raised an energy barrier against Mega Golurk’s Ice Punch, but Golurk’s fist passed through it and hurled Garchomp across the arena.

Roy’s Mega Golurk and Dusclops defeated Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp and Lucario through powerful attacks and teamwork, leaving both of Cynthia’s Pokémon unable to battle. After the match, Roy discovered that Dusclops had reached Intermediate King level, and Cynthia pressed him to explain how Golurk had bypassed Protect.

• Lucario tried to help Mega Garchomp, but Dusclops kept him occupied with Will-O-Wisps until Lucario struck Dusclops with Dark Pulse.
• Mega Golurk used Precipice Blades to send Lucario flying, then followed up with a flame-coated punch that knocked him out.
• Mega Garchomp emerged beside Lucario but could not withstand simultaneous Ice Punches from Dusclops and Mega Golurk, ending Cynthia’s battle.
• Su Tian announced Roy’s victory, and Roy discovered that Dusclops had reached Intermediate King level.
• After leaving the Gym, Cynthia asked how Mega Golurk had punched through Protect, then bit Roy’s shoulder until he agreed to explain.

Roy and Cynthia recovered their Pokémon at the Violet City Pokémon Center, where Chansey showed off her newfound love of boxing after watching Roy and Annihilape win the Martial Arts Tournament. After leaving the Center, Roy invited Cynthia to get ice cream while she continued thinking about how to counter his Mega Golurk.

• Roy reassured Cynthia after their battle and led her to the Violet City Pokémon Center.
• Chansey showed Roy boxing moves and a newspaper photo of his Martial Arts Tournament victory, then admired Annihilape’s Gold Belt.
• Nurse Joy told Roy that Chansey wanted to compete in the next Martial Arts Tournament, and Annihilape let Chansey wear his belt.
• Cynthia congratulated Annihilape on achieving his dream, and he asked to battle Garchomp again after it recovered.
• Roy and Cynthia left the Pokémon Center, and Roy asked whether she wanted ice cream.